I go back, but look forward!

Let’s face it. We’ve all had a moment or two in our lives where, if we could turn back the clock and handle ourselves differently, we would. An array of challenges, failures, achievements, and bloopers (among other things) are all wrapped into that one beautiful thing we call - Life.

This morning marked the first official day of Boston Bound training. My alarm went off at 7 AM. The volume on the IPod dock gradually increased while I tried to catch just one more minute of sleep. The song my IPod had shuffled to was a Taylor Swift song called “Back to December” (It’s a good song – worth checking out). Considering my anticipation leading up to today, I found that IPod selection funny. Evoking a giggle, I had to laugh at the coincidence of it all. As I crept out of bed and opened my shades, the sun was barely at the cusp of the horizon. Another early morning was beginning, which will now become a week day and weekend normalcy. I quickly prepared to head to meet the other Boston qualifiers I will be training with for the next 14 weeks.

Looking around the room at the individuals who would likely soon become training confidants, I became a bit intimidated. What was I doing there with all of these real runners? – Many of which have been running for the better part of their lives. Listening closely to what each person was contributing to the conversation, I began to realize that I was training with some pretty seasoned competitors. Thoughts like …

“I think I know what a fartlek run is…”

“Hmmm – have I ever done a true tempo?”

“How far is an 800 again? I better go look it up.”

And – “Yassos – fun name – never done one.”

I’m sure you get the gist of what I’m saying here.

Needless to say, after returning home feeling a bit overwhelmed, I remembered that I too qualified, and regardless of my lack of experience, I worked hard to get there this morning – and I’ll continue working hard to get to the start line on 04.18.11.

Nonetheless, I can’t help but think that losing my focus, and enjoying the holidays may have put me at a disadvantage. I go back to December, and think, if I could do it all over again, would I have done a few things differently? Absolutely.

The foundation has been laid for the next 14 weeks, and it might not be pretty right now. But tomorrow’s a new day, and it’s not too late to bounce back. Qualifying earns your place within a sea of big fish. Embracing the experience, and learning from each step along the way is what counts!

Good luck to those lacing up for Boston and beyond!

I know I run like a girl! Try to keep up!